A FAMILY who have raised awareness of the dangers of open water swimming after the tragic death of a Linwood schoolboy have been applauded by Renfrewshire Council.

William McNally, 13, died on June 5 last year after getting into trouble in the River Gryfe, near Houston, while swimming with friends.

The tragedy led to seven GPS signs being placed at potentially dangerous sites along the river – one of the first actions taken by the Renfrewshire water safety working group.

Equipment such as life buoys and throw lines can also be found at certain spots.

A video was released on the one-year anniversary of William’s death, in which his aunts Jayne and Claire Drennan remembered the “gentle, kind and polite” Linwood High pupil. 

Councillors Alison Ann-Dowling and Audrey Doig, who both represent Linwood, put forward a motion at Thursday’s full council meeting to commend William’s family and the work being done by the water safety working group, which was agreed unanimously. 

“I think the development of this policy is an example of what this council can do when it works to its full potential, working together," said Councillor Ann-Dowling.

“I also want to thank everyone across Houston and Linwood who rallied together to help bring change and safety measures. These efforts have been community led, with the support of all ward councillors.

“An education safety video to raise awareness of the dangers of open water swimming has been produced and I would like to emphasise that we, as a council, pay tribute and give sincere thanks to the family of William McNally for their participation in this safety video.”

Councillor Doig added: “I would say to every resident in Renfrewshire – get to know your water safety, get to understand that even though you can swim you can get into very difficult situations very quickly in very cold water.

“Unfortunately, that’s what happens in Scotland. We don’t get a lot of warm weather to warm it up to any degree that you can just jump into it and not be affected.”

Councillor David McGonigle said the measures put in place constituted a “great initiative” but he also raised concerns that public rescue equipment had been removed from one of the locations.

He said: “I think these are really, really important things but what’s also really important is making sure the right equipment’s there, heaven forbid something goes wrong.”